About Me
I started tutoring while at the American International School in Budapest, Hungary. I have lived all over the world in countries like Kenya, Pakistan, Hungary, and Switzerland but I had the good fortune to attend a private international school in Budapest, Hungary where I first began tutoring. While studying towards 7s in my International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, I began by tutoring my younger classmates. After moving to London to study as an Materials Engineer at Imperial College London, one of the top ten universities in the world, I began sharing my hard-won expertise in exam technique through part-time tutoring. Teaching children has become my passion and I am now a full-time professional tutor with 10,000+ hours of experience.
After supporting hundreds of clients and developing my own insatiable curiosity, I have gained expertise in a wide variety of subjects from Maths, and Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, ESS) to humanities (English, Economics, Politics, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy). This is no doubt due to the IB program which encouraged holistic approach to learning but could not have occurred without thousands of hours of careful study and practice. I have also been helped along by younger students at the 7+, 11+ age who require a more dynamic and patient approach in comparison to my GCSE, A-level, IB, SAT, ACT students who require more rapport and understanding.
My Philosophy
With proper guidance, there are no good or bad students. My tutees receive genuine encouragement, and guidance which allows them to build the confidence to succeed. Nonetheless, the increase competition for good schools and universities as well as the often negative environment within those institutions means that it is easier now than ever for capable students to lose their way with a negative impact on their agency. It is challenging to help students to remain engaged in subjects when school, or university is telling: "You can't do it". Over my career it is this issue that I believe is the biggest challenge to my practice and one I believe can only be solved by tremendous support, expert guidance, and resolute belief that students and learners can improve whatever the subject. Often being the best (and sometimes only true) judge of student's academic ability, it is my job to ensure that they are pushing their capabilities no matter what. This approach using Lev Vygotsky's social cultural theory to learning and cognitive development is the only approach which centres the learner teacher bond and allows for growth to happen naturally and enjoyably.
How Imperial College Developed My Practice
11th Grand Reunion Alumni
My former professors are part of what makes me a successful tutor and this was brought home after attending the 11th Grand Reunion for Imperial College London:Materials Science Department. Speaking with my former Professor Julian Jones, a pioneer in biomaterials, I remembered why I strive to help my tutees push their capabilities and develop our common human experience.
Imperial College London
A Top Ten Global University
Armourer’s Hall
Helping Fellow International School Students
American International School of Budapest
Senior Talk
Part of my success as a tutor are my experiences at the American International School of Budapest where I grew up and which I can now give back by speaking at the annual Senior Talk given to final year students. Talking to students about the challenges of education and greater independence allows me to connect with students beyond academics to form a long lasting bond. It is that bond which allows me to push students to reach their potential and move further in their educational subjects and quest.
Being Part of An International Community
International School of Geneva- La Grande Boissière (LGB)
Visiting LGB and its esteemed grounds was a great reminder of how the international student community has molded me into the tutor and educator that I am today. Amongst dozens of countries, friends, family, and students I teach, I felt deeply connected to an international community, including my former students at LGB, Nations, and Institute Le Rosey, that accepts and thrives on diversity. The warm and tranquil Geneva climes also reminded me of the importance of safeguarding student welfare and why it is important now more than ever to ensure we provide empathetic and considerate education to children and learners.
Kermeses